England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, September 22, putting an end to his 11-year career. The 36-year-old cited ongoing injuries that have stopped him from returning to full fitness. Wood, who was a part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning and 2022 T20 World Cup-winning squads, finishes with 253 wickets in 146 games. He has called it a day at the international level but will continue to play domestic and franchise cricket. Why Did Mark Wood Announce His International Retirement? Wood last played for England in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth back in November 2025. He was back on the park after a long-term injury layoff but bowled only 11 overs before aggravating a left knee issue. The England speedster stated that medical advice suggested he should not resume Test and ODI cricket. As his central contract expires in September, Wood felt it was the perfect time to quit and let the young guns take over. Reuters Speaking about his decision, Wood said: “It's been a long time since Perth, in November, my last game, so it's been a year-and-a-half where it's just ground me down to thinking, 'Look, I'm never going to get back to this level.” He added: “My contract ends in September, and I think it just feels like the right time. I never wanted to give up [playing for] England, but the lads that are coming through are doing a fantastic job. The news should be about the lads that are going to get their contract, and I can just focus on other things.” Despite retiring from international cricket, Wood will stay in the game in various capacities, including the T20 league, TV commentary, and coaching. Also Read | Mark Wood Leaves Out Jasprit Bumrah While Building His Perfect Fast Bowler Mark Wood Ends England Career With Two World Cup Titles Wood joined the England team in 2015 and became an integral member of the pace attack in all three formats. In his 11-year international career, he picked up 119 wickets in 38 Tests, 80 wickets in 70 ODIs, and 54 wickets in 38 T20Is. One of his most iconic performances came in the 2015 Ashes as he removed Nathan Lyon at Trent Bridge to gift England a famous series win. He was a crucial member of the ODI World Cup-winning squad in 2019 as he grabbed 18 wickets in 10 matches. Wood was a part of the T20 World Cup-winning side in 2022 but was ruled out of the last two games with injury. The fast bowler once again rose to fame in the 2023 Ashes series after a phenomenal display against Australia at Headingley. Despite his injury problems, Wood was one of the quickest bowlers in England’s pace lineup. With an international career that saw him win two World Cups and a number of Ashes series, Wood has called it a day at the top level of the game.